The latest American military action in the South American nation and the capture of its president have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Followers of the ex-president's base have allegedly turned their attention to the strategically important landmass in the wake of the operations in South America.
Provocative Posts and Official Backlash
Only a short time after the initiation of the Venezuelan operation, a well-known right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking presidential aide, shared a suggestive map. The graphic depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by single-word caption: "COMING."
This blatant suggestion to absorb the mineral-rich region, which is a part of the North Atlantic alliance, triggered immediate and strong criticism from Denmark's officials.
"We are close allies and should continue to work together as such. American security is equally the Arctic's and Denmark’s security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States work together to guarantee security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that the kingdom had substantially boosted its military budget this year, earmarking a substantial sum specifically for Northern and regional defence. "And yes, we expect full respect for the territorial integrity of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Appointments and Strategic Interests
The situation were further complicated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had openly expressed gratitude to the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer capacity to "bring Greenland into the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this representative commended the administration's decisive move, linking it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since assuming office, the American leader has consistently unnerved transatlantic allies with his expressed interest in Greenland. The island is viewed as vitally strategic for national security and potential resource extraction. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a significant media appearance, the president declined to exclude the use of armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes during growing global competition in the Arctic. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He described Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll value them... But we need that for global security."
Mounting Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish security agency took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "security risk."
The leaders of Denmark and Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex sentiment. While a vast majority of the territory's inhabitants desire self-rule from Copenhagen, there is also scant appetite to become part of the United States. The island has had the legal right to seek sovereignty for many years.
Analyst Assessment: A Credible Threat?
Some analysts are now reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One policy director focusing in defence admitted she had once discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"It wouldn't be that hard for the US to station a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's not clear to me who could intervene about it," she observed.
